Aylmer seized hold of him.
'What are you going to do, Archie?'
'Teach Dilly what I am. She says—Oh, she's such a fool!'
'No, Archie, leave her alone; she's only a baby. Come along, old boy.
Give Mr Cricker a cup of tea; he hasn't had one yet.'
Archie was devoted to Aylmer. Following him, he handed the tea to Mr
Cricker, saying pathetically:
'I'm a blue-faced mandrill, and she knew it. I told her so. Aren't girls fools? They do worry!'
'They are torments,' said Aylmer.
'I wish that Frenchman would give me his goggles to keep! He doesn't want them.'
'I'll give you a pair,' said Aylmer.
'Thanks,' said Cricker,' I won't have any tea. I wish you'd come and have a little talk with me, Ross. Can I have a word with you alone?'